We have all seen them or heard about them. Those grand gestures that people make.

Several years ago John and I were invited to sing at a church Valentine’s Day Banquet. At one point in the evening, couples were instructed to share their engagement story. We were at the table with the couple who invited us to be the special musicians for the evening. As they shared their story, we sat in amazement. This guy that we knew as a mechanic was a closet romantic. He had mastered the grand gesture and used it to his advantage when he proposed to his wife.

Last night, Christmas Eve, John mastered the grand gesture. This year has been an difficult time for me and this Christmas season has been particularly challenging. I’ve been emotional and have really struggled. Although I have some ideas, I am uncertain as to exactly why. Well, my husband has watched me, cared for me, and seen the challenges I’ve faced. To make my day bright, he created a wonderland in our yard. He recreated a vision from my childhood and from the early days of our marriage in New Mexico. He collected LED candles, kitty litter, and brown paper bags. Then he made, nearly fifty luminarias and placed them on the sidewalk in front of our house leading up to the front door of the church and the front door of our house. In New Mexico, these are a traditional Christmas decoration. They are intended to lead the Christ child to a place of safety and shelter. Luminarias are elegant in their simplicity and beauty. He made me cry.

It was truly a grand gesture, a gift, a treasure — and it was beautifully done.

Christmas is a time for grand gestures. And, to be honest, it started by the grandest of gestures, but sadly it has been missed by many.

The grandest gesture was modeled for us by God who sent His Son to be born in a borrowed space, wrapped in strips of cloth, and lain in a feeding trough. This child was Jesus. He was born of a young virgin and an earthly “father” who loved and raised him to be a man.

As a mother, my mind’s eye takes over when I think of Jesus as a toddler. I can imagine Him playing in the sawdust at His father’s feet, playing with wood scraps and old tools for toys. I can picture Him imitating His daddy. Somewhere in my mind there is a vision of Jesus picking the “flowering weeds” and taking them to Mary to make her day brighter. Later, I can imagine Him working with His father learning the carpentry trade as a teenager. I have no difficulty picturing Jesus as an adult playing with the children who were drawn to Him, to His gentleness, and to His kindness.

This the grandest of gestures that God sent changed the world. Jesus came to bring light to a dark world and to help us find our place with His Father. He came to show us the way to know His Heavenly Father.

He came as a gift.

In coming, He gives the greatest gift.

A grand gesture? We’ve all been the recipient of one. In fact, we’ve been the recipient of the grandest of gestures.  Jesus has come for all of us — for you and for me. Have you accepted His gift? Have you accepted Jesus?

Is Jesus welcome where you are?